“It’s mind-blowing to see what I could do for my family without a college degree,” says Real
Estate Agent Rachel Peterson with eXp Realty. With 15 million dollars in sales last year, she has
overcome the learning curve in real estate and has achieved more success than her wildest
dreams.

A Wake-Up Call

“This will be my fifth year in real estate,” reflects Rachel. Before real estate, Rachel was a stay-
at-home Mom. “I went to college, but never got a degree,” she points out.

Her husband Kyle was in the military for over 10 years as a heavy wheel mechanic. Rachel
comments, “We moved frequently and I never had the drive or dream to get too deep into
something, knowing that I would have to go into something else.”

Kyle’s previous duty station was in Alaska. As he was eyeing to get out of the military, Rachel
took a bold step toward her future in real estate. "I passed the real estate test but wasn’t
moving forward toward selling.”

It wasn’t until she had a wake-up call while working at Verizon that she decided to go
completely into real estate. “I worked as a sales rep at Verizon and was spinning a paper sign on
the side of the highway. I was flipping the sign and working ridiculous hours. That’s what it took
for me to see the light. I had to make a decision.”

That pivotal moment in life was the motivating factor that caused her to take the leap to real
estate.

Launching into Real Estate

Rachel then went into real estate and production. Being a mother of three didn’t deter her. “I
worked with a baby on my hip every single day,” she recalls. “My youngest is 4 now, but he
came to work with me daily until he turned one.” When looking back at pictures, she sees
multiple photos with him on her lap while she worked, him with other real estate colleagues, or
his baby carrier on her arm at open houses and agent events.  

Rachel’s determination and drive were fierce. She admits, “I was writing contracts while giving
birth and in labor. At the time I was willing to do whatever it took to get to where I wanted to
be, although I wouldn’t recommend it now. I believe boundaries are so important for a work-
home balance.”


Marrying young at 20, the road wasn’t easy either. “When people see me now, they don’t
realize that there were very difficult times. People don’t see where I came from,” she
comments. Rachel recalls the days that she and her family were on WIC and the times that they
struggled.

Real estate was the answer to a brighter tomorrow and a solid financial future. Gone were the
days of working at Verizon and waiting tables. Rachel uses her life experience to help others.

“I like helping others, whether that’s in real estate with other agents or people in daily life who
may need a helping hand,” she says. Rachel has empathy for those who think they are stuck in a
lifestyle, a salary bracket, or other limitations in life. Helping them achieve the dream of
homeownership or a brighter future is what it’s all about for this dedicated agent. Just as she
achieved her dreams, she helps others overcome their obstacles as well.

Hustle + Heart

Rachel did whatever it took to make it in the competitive world of real estate. Over the course
of her career, she has sold over 230 units equating to $60 million dollars in real estate
personally, with her team adding $17 million since developing in mid-2021. She says, “My girls
would come with me if they had to, which was more often than you’d expect with a deployed
husband and no family close by. At the time I had two kids who were 2 and 5. If my clients
weren’t willing to accept me bringing my children [to showings] if I had to, then they weren’t
the clients for me.”

Coming from a family of dentists and business owners, Rachel realizes that her mother would
be proud of her regardless of the path she chose in life. A go-getter, she blazed her own trail in
life, a world apart from the dental and medical professions.

“For me to work so hard to get where we are is pretty significant,” she reflects. “It’s really
important for people to realize that. It doesn’t take a college degree. It takes surrounding
yourself with the right people. Having the right people to lean into and to teach you – that’s
what you need, especially when you feel like you’re drowning. You have to figure out how to
keep your head above the water when no one else is.”

Riding the ups and downs of the market post-pandemic takes resiliency and tenacity. Rachel
has both of those qualities and they have served her well in life.

Family Focused

When not working, it’s all about family to Rachel. She shares, “I spend a lot of time at cheer. My
girls cheer twice a week and we are there 2-3 hours a night.” Not to mention the cheer
competitions, but this fun-loving mother wouldn’t have it any other way.


To relax and unwind, Rachel enjoys swimming in her pool and having people over. “We’re the
house that people come to,” she explains. She creates a stress-free environment at her house.

“My house is my haven,” she says. “I love to come into my home and be super happy. Seeing
pretty plants on the porch, flowers blooming in the yard, or enjoying time in beautifully
decorated spaces.” Rachel’s home is her “happy place.”

She and her family also like taking a nightly golf cart ride. Waving and seeing the neighbors
while taking a break from their digital devices is refreshing.

Final Thoughts
Rachel's success story is a testament to the fact that one does not need a college degree to
succeed in life. All it takes is the willingness to work hard, surround oneself with the right
people, and have the drive to pursue one's dreams. Rachel is an inspiration to others. With her
hard work, hustle, and heart for others, she is a game changer in Savannah real estate.